Saint Thomas Malea

Thomas Maleinos (9th–10th centuries) is a venerable saint of the Orthodox Church. His feast day is celebrated on July 7 according to the Julian calendar. Venerable Thomas Maleinos was born in the 9th century. Initially, he was a military commander who repeatedly led his people to victory in battles and wars, earning him well-deserved authority and respect among his countrymen. However, Thomas chose the service of God over fame and honors and took monastic vows. He visited elder monks, seeking their guidance on the spiritual path with great humility. Several years after his tonsure, having received a blessing for a solitary, eremitic life and spiritually strengthened by a special revelation from the Prophet Elijah, Thomas left the world and retired to the mountain cape of Malea in the eastern part of Mount Athos. There, he led an ascetic life, shining with virtues and miracles. Believers held that God had endowed Thomas Maleinos with the grace and ability to heal the suffering of all kinds of ailments; consequently, Christians constantly arrived at Mount Athos, and Thomas never refused them his assistance. Venerable Thomas Maleinos died in the 10th century. Believers pray to him for help in overcoming illnesses.